Recipes Mexican Street Corn Casserole

Mexican Street Corn Casserole: A Vibrant and Flavorful Dish

Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a beloved delicacy enjoyed by many. Its sweet and savory flavors, combined with the creamy texture of mayonnaise and the crunch of cotija cheese, make it an irresistible treat. Now, imagine all these delicious elements transformed into a delectable casserole that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul.

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

• 1 (15-ounce) can cream-style corn
• 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced green chiles, undrained
• 1 cup chopped red onion
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

For the Topping:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh lime zest

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Combine casserole ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cream-style corn, whole kernel corn, tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, green chiles, red onion, cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.

3. Pour into casserole dish: Pour the corn mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.

4. Sprinkle with cheeses: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the corn mixture.

5. Make the topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, cotija cheese, and lime zest.

6. Spread topping over casserole: Spread the topping evenly over the cheese layer.

7. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.

8. Let stand: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• For a spicier casserole, add an extra can of diced green chiles or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• If you don’t have cotija cheese, you can substitute Parmesan or feta cheese.
• To make the casserole ahead of time, prepare it up to step 7 and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
• Serve the casserole with additional toppings such as sliced avocado, chopped tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream.

Variations:

• Creamy Corn Casserole: Omit the black beans and green chiles for a creamy and cheesy corn casserole.
• Spicy Corn Casserole: Add 1-2 chopped jalapeños to the casserole mixture for a spicy kick.
• Loaded Corn Casserole: Add cooked bacon, diced bell peppers, or crumbled chorizo to the casserole for a loaded and flavorful dish.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the Mexican street corn casserole as a main course with a side of rice or beans.
• It can also be served as a side dish with grilled meats, tacos, or burritos.
• For a festive appetizer, cut the casserole into squares and serve with tortilla chips.

Conclusion:

Mexican street corn casserole is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the irresistible flavors of elote with the comfort of a casserole. Its creamy texture, savory ingredients, and tangy topping make it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, this casserole is sure to impress your taste buds. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to indulge in this culinary masterpiece!